ALLSPICE

Also known as 'pimento' in Jamaica, allspice flavor and aroma is a pleasant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves (hence its name) and is slightly numbing.A smoky allspice flavor can be added to grilled meats by soaking whole berries in water for 30 minutes and adding them to the hot coals.

Allspice is used in seasonings, sauces, sausages, ketchup, jams, pumpkin, gravies, roasts, hams, baked goods, and teas. Caribbean cooking relies on Allspice as the main ingredient in jerk seasoning. It is used in Caribbean, Mexican, Indian, English, and North American cooking and in seasoning blends such as jerk seasoning and curry. Allspice is also an essential ingredient in pickling spice mixtures.